TIG Post

Tag: ECG

  • Supply uncertainty to blame for our inability to provide ‘dumsor’ timetable – ECG

    Supply uncertainty to blame for our inability to provide ‘dumsor’ timetable – ECG

    Deputy Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr. Kwadwo Obeng, has stated that the company is unable to provide a planned load-shedding schedule due to uncertainties in power supply.

    He noted that strictly adhering to a timetable would be challenging, especially since not all outages stem from fuel supply issues.

    Mr. Obeng further explained that outages can also result from planned maintenance, network faults, theft, and vandalism.

    “We said that because information about how much was to be shared was erratic, we couldn’t really provide a timetable because, in the morning, we could say that we needed to shed just 40 megawatts at 8 o’ clock.

    And imagine we prepared a table to shed 40 and by 12 pm, that situation changes.

    “We realise that even if we prepare a timetable, there will be a lot of inconsistencies. And the worst we want to have as a nation would be for the utility provider to say you would go off and then you don’t go off, or your outage exceeds the stipulated period,” he said.

    He was speaking at a public forum organised by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on how to address the current power challenges facing the country.

    Mr Albert Ayirebi-Acquah, a representative of the Independent Power Producers (IPP), who generate about 2339 megawatts, said the IPPs have in the past three years generated about 40 percent of the country’s power needs.

    “Although we don’t have the 2024 power plan, we expect to contribute over 50 percent of the power generated in the country,” he said.

    Mr. Ayirebi-Acquah highlighted the ongoing power crisis, attributing it to fuel shortages and the government’s failure to fulfil its financial obligations to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

    He pointed out that the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM), designed to collect and distribute revenue to power generators, is not a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the power sector.

    Ayirebi-Acquah acknowledged that while the IPPs regard the CWM as a temporary measure that offers some predictability and certainty of payment from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), it is crucial for the current commitments under the CWM to be met promptly.

    This timely honour would enable IPPs to fulfil their financial responsibilities.

    He also advocated for the inclusion of IPP representatives on the CWM implementation committee to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and ensure that their concerns are adequately addressed.

    The forum was attended by other stakeholders, including the Public Utility Regulatory Commission, the Volta River Authority, and the Ghana Grid Company Limited.

  • Calling for ‘dumsor’ timetable is unnecessary – ECG tells Ghanaians

    Calling for ‘dumsor’ timetable is unnecessary – ECG tells Ghanaians

    Deputy Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Kwadwo Obeng, has dismissed requests for a load shedding timetable amid ongoing power challenges.

    ECG, in conjunction with GRIDCo, recently announced a three-week power outage due to a gas supply shortfall from Nigeria.

    This announcement has prompted calls from business owners for a structured load shedding timetable to aid in planning during this period.

    In interviews with Citi News, barbers and tailors expressed concerns over the impact on their businesses and emphasized the necessity of a timetable to organize their operations effectively.

    “I think that the situation will have some effects on our businesses. There is nothing we can do. It’s only God that we are praying to save us from this. Because we don’t have any solution, I don’t have a generator to work. So, if there is no light, what can I do?

    “I just have to sit down and wait till the lights are turned on. If there’s no light, how can I work? I can’t work. And if there is no work, how do you expect me to eat? Or solve my problems?

    However, speaking at a public forum focused on addressing challenges in the power sector, Ing. Kwadwo Obeng emphasized that a fixed timetable might not remain accurate in the presence of additional faults and ongoing maintenance work.

    “We’re collaborating with local manufacturers, we’re collaborating with companies that have plants here…there’s more certainty in the amount that needs to be shed, then the utilities can also plan, then we’re definite.

    “We know there will be a three-week [challenge], do we even know the quantum, we don’t know the quantum. Without the quantum, how do you even prepare the schedule? There are several factors, having known the quantum, you need to know the duration, there’s an off-peak period, peak period.”

    Obeng stressed the complexity of the situation and the need for flexibility in managing power supply interruptions effectively during this period of gas supply constraints.

  • ECG fell short by 36% in its gas payments for the year 2023 – Reports

    ECG fell short by 36% in its gas payments for the year 2023 – Reports

    Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) has reported a 36 percent shortfall in the payments made by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) for gas in 2023.

    According to the 2023 report, ECG paid approximately GHS 250 million, falling short of the expected GHS 385 million. This leaves an outstanding debt of GHS 140 million for the year.

    The CWM and Natural Gas Clearinghouse (NGCH) outline the procedures for allocating and distributing tariff revenues collected by ECG to various entities in the electricity value chain, including the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGLC) and the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC).

    Payments are made directly to these stakeholders based on a percentage of the monthly invoice amounts.

    Despite allocations being made in July and August, ECG failed to make the corresponding payments.

    The report also highlighted that GNGLC’s debt to GNPC has continued to increase, despite the implementation of the CWM to manage legacy debts.

    PIAC warned that if this trend persists, it could jeopardize the operational viability of GNGLC.

  • ECG fully adheres to the Cash Waterfall Mechanism

    ECG fully adheres to the Cash Waterfall Mechanism

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced in its latest validation report that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has fully complied with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) for March 2024 payments.

    This compliance comes after intense scrutiny and criticism from both the media and the PURC, which have been vocal about ECG’s failure to fully adhere to the CWM since its revision in August 2023.

    The report indicates that ECG collected over GHS 1 billion for March 2024, which was used to settle invoices from January 2024.

    From this revenue, ECG disbursed GHS 620 million ($52 million) to seven Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), representing a substantial 62% of ECG’s total revenue for the month.

    “The CWM application for March 2024 payments was based on invoices submitted for January 2023.
    The total ECG revenues reported for March 2024 was GHS 1,002,850,000.00,” the report stated.

    The remaining GHS 334.8 million, after payments to the IPPs and statutory obligations were accounted for, was distributed among Level B beneficiaries. These beneficiaries include state-owned enterprises such as the Volta River Authority (VRA), Bui Power Authority, the Ghana National Gas Company, regulators, some power generators, and ECG itself.

    Interestingly, March 2024 witnessed ECG fully compensating all Level B beneficiaries for the first time since the revised CWM came into effect. This signifies a notable shift from its prior pattern of incomplete payments to these entities.

    However, despite the Ministry of Finance being responsible for covering any shortfalls, it has not fulfilled this duty since August 2023.

    The deficit for March 2024 amounts to GHS 159.9 million. The PURC is presently engaging with the Ministry to ensure these obligations are honored.

    “The Commission wishes to state that, MoF has not made up for the shortfalls since August 2023,” it stressed.

  • PURC confirms ECG’s compliance with CWM for March payments

    PURC confirms ECG’s compliance with CWM for March payments

    Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has confirmed in its latest validation report, the that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has fully complied with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) for March 2024 payments.

    This compliance comes after significant scrutiny and criticism from both the media and the PURC regarding ECG’s previous failures to adhere to the CWM since its revision in August 2023.

    According to the report, ECG generated over GHS 1 billion for March 2024, which was allocated to settle invoices from January 2024.

    Out of this revenue, ECG disbursed GHS 620 million ($52 million) to seven Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo). This payment represents a significant 62% of ECG’s total revenue for the month.

    “The CWM application for March 2024 payments was based on invoices submitted for January 2023.
    The total ECG revenues reported for March 2024 was GHS 1,002,850,000.00,” the report stated.

    The remaining GHS 334.8 million, after payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and statutory obligations, was allocated to Level B beneficiaries.

    These beneficiaries include state-owned enterprises such as the Volta River Authority (VRA), Bui Power Authority, the Ghana National Gas Company, regulators, some power generators, and ECG itself.

    Notably, for the first time since the revised Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) was implemented, ECG fully compensated all Level B beneficiaries in March 2024.

    This is a significant improvement from its previous record of incomplete payments to these entities.

    However, the Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for covering any shortfalls, has not met this obligation since August 2023.

    The shortfall for March 2024 is GHS 159.9 million. The PURC is currently in discussions with the Ministry to ensure these obligations are fulfilled.

    “The Commission wishes to state that, MoF has not made up for the shortfalls since August 2023,” it stressed.

  • Meet the young ECG boss who’s fighting to keep the lights on

    Meet the young ECG boss who’s fighting to keep the lights on

    In 2023, Mr. Samuel Dubik Mahama, the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), distinguished himself as one of the most impactful executives in the nation. Under his leadership, ECG experienced unprecedented growth and success, marking a significant turnaround for the beleaguered power operator. His leadership style, characterized by decisiveness and a no-nonsense approach, played a pivotal role in this transformation.

    Achievements and Recognition

    Mr. Mahama’s tenure at ECG has been marked by substantial accomplishments, earning him numerous awards and widespread recognition. His leadership not only enhanced the company’s performance but also solidified his reputation as a formidable leader in both the public and private sectors.

    Leadership Style and Strategic Initiatives

    Key to Mr. Mahama’s success was his no-nonsense approach to leadership, which was a breath of fresh air for a company long plagued by inefficiencies and operational challenges. He implemented several strategic initiatives that contributed to the company’s turnaround, including:

    1. Operational Reforms: Mr. Mahama introduced rigorous operational reforms aimed at improving efficiency and reducing waste. This included streamlining processes and enforcing stricter compliance measures across all levels of the organization.
    2. Financial Management: He prioritized sound financial management practices, ensuring better accountability and transparency in ECG’s financial dealings. This move helped restore investor and public confidence in the company’s operations.
    3. Customer Service Improvements: Under his leadership, ECG made significant strides in enhancing customer service. By leveraging technology and improving response times, the company was able to better meet the needs of its customers, thereby improving its public image.
    4. Stakeholder Engagement: Mr. Mahama demonstrated exceptional skill in managing relationships with key stakeholders, including the Parliament of Ghana. His dealings with the parliament showcased his commitment to accountability and his ability to handle high-pressure situations with composure.

    Impact on ECG and the Broader Sector

    Mr. Mahama’s leadership not only revitalized ECG but also set a new benchmark for leadership in Ghana’s power sector. His success is a testament to the impact that effective, no-nonsense leadership can have on a struggling organization. By instilling a culture of discipline and excellence, he paved the way for sustained growth and improvement.

    Mr. Samuel Dubik Mahama’s tenure as Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana in 2023 stands as a model of transformational leadership. His strategic initiatives and no-nonsense approach brought about significant improvements, earning him recognition and respect across the industry.

    Reflecting on his two-year tenure as ECG boss, Samuel Mahama shared five key achievements in a LinkedIn post.

    He highlighted the implementation of digital solutions to enhance cashless payment and billing processes in the power system while addressing distribution losses and corruption.

    Dubik Mahama also emphasized the successful revitalization of the ECG PowerApp, resulting in a significant increase in active users from 500,000 to over 3.5 million.

    “Elevated the company’s monthly revenue from GHS 400 million to an impressive GHS 1 billion,” he wrote.

    “Significantly reduced meter request backlogs through the Loss Reduction Project (LRP), achieving an injection of 275,000 meters into the system as of May 10, 2024,” Dubik Mahama added.

    Furthermore, the ECG boss emphasized the ongoing initiative to replace outdated meters in alignment with the power distribution company’s upgraded meter management system across its operational regions.

    “We are committed to transparency, and soon, we will be sharing comprehensive updates with our valued customers, detailing our efforts to enhance operational efficiency for a more reliable power supply. I extend my sincere gratitude to all staff members for their unwavering support through both challenges and triumphs,” Dubik Mahama’s post concluded.

    In May 2022, President Akufo-Addo designated Samuel Dubik Masubir Mahama as the Managing Director of ECG, succeeding Kwame Agyeman–Budu, who reached the statutory retirement age of 60 during the same month.

  • Bawumia lied about ECG staff sabotaging paperless system – PUWU

    Bawumia lied about ECG staff sabotaging paperless system – PUWU

    The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has challenged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s assertion that officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) sabotaged the government’s digitalization of revenue collection.

    Dr. Bawumia, speaking at the Annual AGM of Anti-corruption Agencies in Africa on May 9, claimed that certain IT unit staff at ECG introduced ransomware to disrupt the system’s proper functioning.

    He stated that the ransomware caused the system to fail and that national security intervention was required to identify the staff responsible for the sabotage.

    However, the PUWU issued a statement on Monday, May 13, refuting the Vice President’s claims as “inaccurate and misleading.”

    The Union further expressed disappointment over the Vice President’s assertion that the incident was a deliberate act by ECG staff to thwart a project beneficial to the company and Ghana.

    It said in September 2022, EOCO began a forensic audit on the ECG Power App, requesting the payment platform architecture, databases, API documentation, and the power app custom source code, including backend prepayment systems credentials.

    The Union pointed out that EOCO employed third-party IT professionals for the task, implying that ECG IT staff were not the only ones with access to ECG’s ICT infrastructure.

    The Union indicated that the first ransomware attack, which occurred on September 28, 2022, was reported to the Cyber Security Authority, as per regulation.

    It said following the attack, which was perceived as a national security threat, the National Security took control of the ECG ICT system.

    “In the midst of the takeover, the second and most severe of the ransomware attacks occurred on the 11th November 2022, at the time the National Security personnel had both full physical access and software administrative rights to all ECG systems. The National Security arrested and detained some ECG ICT staff for days but were later released.”

    “In all these cases, the systems were restored with the major assistance by the ECG ICT staff. It is therefore factually inaccurate that National Security came in to recover the system, as reported by His Excellency the Vice President.”

    PUWU-Press-ReleaseDownload
  • ECG and GRIDCo collaborate to strengthen electricity distribution networks in Ashanti

    ECG and GRIDCo collaborate to strengthen electricity distribution networks in Ashanti


    The Electricity Company of Ghana‘s (ECG) Ashanti sub-transmission division has entered a collaborative agreement with the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to enhance supply capacity and meet the rising electricity demand in the region.

    This partnership was formalized during a meeting held at GRIDCo’s headquarters in Anwomaso.

    According to the agreement reached during the meeting, there are plans to install a 145MVA power transformer between GRIDCo and ECG Bulk Supply Points.

    This upgrade aims to replace one of the existing three 50MVA transformers, thereby increasing installed capacity to address growing load demands, particularly during peak hours, typically between 7 pm and 11 pm.

    Previously, the 50MVA transformers at the Anwomaso Bulk Supply Point sometimes operated at maximum capacity during peak periods due to increased demand.

    However, with the planned installation of the 145MVA transformer, the total installed capacity will rise to 245MVA, compared to the current 150MVA provided by three 50MVA transformers.

    Both parties anticipate that this initiative will improve supply capacity and reliability across the region.

    Additionally, discussions during the meeting also focused on upgrading the Obuasi and Konongo Substations with 50/66 MVA transformers to meet growing industrial needs in those areas and enhance supply reliability.

    Further discussions included plans to dispatch another 145MVA transformer to Ridge BSP shortly to increase supply capacity for the station and the broader region.

    Following these discussions, a site visit was conducted to assess suitable installation locations for the new transformer.

    Ing. Peter Kofi Fletcher, General Manager for Ashanti Sub-transmission, and his team collaborated closely with the GRIDCo team to identify optimal sites, aiming to minimize material costs associated with cable laying and civil works.

    Currently, the region is served by two Bulk Supply Points, Anwomaso and Ridge, which distribute high-voltage power to primary substations, subsequently serving local transformers to meet consumer needs.

  • X user jabs Fidelity Bank for suing Bright Simons for asking public interest questions

    X user jabs Fidelity Bank for suing Bright Simons for asking public interest questions

    A user on the X platform, @CallmeAlfredo, has criticized Fidelity Bank for taking legal action against Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, over inquiries into the bank’s foreign exchange transactions with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    According to the X user, this move aims to suppress criticism and stifle public discourse on crucial matters.

    The involvement of a lawyer representing Fidelity Bank, who is also a Member of Parliament, raises concerns about ethical conflicts.

    The user emphasized that such actions undermine the principles of democracy.

    “Fidelity Bank is suing Bright Simons for asking public interest and accountability questions related to its forex dealings with ECG. Fidelity is represented in this case by a lawyer, who’s also an MP paid by taxpayers. This shouldn’t be happening in any serious democracy,” he wrote.

    Fidelity Bank has reportedly initiated legal action against Bright Simons, following his allegation that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) engaged in sweetheart exchange rate deals with the bank, amounting to approximately GHC80 million.

    Executive Director for Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ben Boakye, disclosed this information, citing Bright Simons’ lawyers as his source.

    In a tweet, Mr. Simons confirmed the story but mentioned that he has not yet been officially served.

    He expressed his willingness to confront the bank in court and provide evidence for his claims.

    Mr. Simons emphasized that Ghanaian citizens are suffering from erratic power supply due to such financial decisions made by ECG, which he considers as “financial mismanagement.”

    “The dumsor that the people experience recurrently stems from financial mismanagement. We will probe anything that allows that to happen. Including ECG FX deals. The courts support sound public policy & public interest. For the people till we die,” he wrote.

    On March 2, 2024, Ben Boakye emphasized that ECG purchased the US dollar at GHC13.95, exceeding the prevailing market rate, resulting in over GHC80 million in losses in one month for acquiring $43 million.

    Mr. Simons contends that ECG must promptly clarify its involvement in such currency exchange transactions, as it prompts inquiries about the utility’s comprehension of the actual worth of the Ghanaian Cedi in contrast to the broader market.

    Reportedly, in October 2023, the exchange rate for commercial banks was below GHC11.5 per dollar, but ECG purportedly procured dollars at a substantially higher rate, leading to considerable exchange deficits.

  • ECG’s digitalised revenue collection system was tampered by a staff – Bawumia

    ECG’s digitalised revenue collection system was tampered by a staff – Bawumia

    Vice President and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has revealed that government efforts to digitize revenue collection faced obstacles from Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) staff.

    Addressing the Annual AGM of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that certain individuals within the IT unit of ECG intentionally implanted ransomware to disrupt the system’s functionality.

    “They just kept it at GHC450 million every month. So, I said we need to send in a team to digitalise the new collection of the Electricity Company of Ghana, so we sent in a team, and we began the process of digitalisation.

    “Can you believe that workers within the system sabotaged it? They put in ransomware into the whole system. And the system essentially collapsed. We had to send in national security to eventually find that it was some of the staff at the IT department who were culpable.”

    “And we found the computer through which the ransomware was injected in the system. It took us a while to restore the system. They asked for a ransom to actually allow for this to work. Can you imagine? That we should pay, they submitted a bill that we should pay for the system to work.

  • Using sagging electrical conductors in rainy days is dangerous – ECG cautions public

    Using sagging electrical conductors in rainy days is dangerous – ECG cautions public

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a public warning regarding the dangers posed by sagging or fallen electrical conductors during rainy weather, highlighting the potential for fatal accidents.

    In a statement released on Thursday, May 9, the power distributor emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with any sagging or fallen electrical conductors during rainy days due to the significant risk they pose.

    “ECG wishes to caution all and sundry to be extremely careful during rainy days not to go near any sagging or fallen electrical conductor since it could be fatal,” it stated.

    “Individual/localized outages and incidents of fallen or sagging conductors within customers’ vicinities should be reported to the ECG Call Centre on 0302-611611, the nearest ECG office, or reach us on our social media handles via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for prompt intervention,” it stated.

    Additionally, the company advised the public to promptly report any incidents of individual or localized power outages, as well as instances of fallen or sagging conductors in their vicinity.

    It urged individuals to contact the ECG Call Centre on 0302-611611, visit the nearest ECG office, or reach out via social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for swift intervention.

    The emphasis on safety and the proactive approach to addressing potential hazards underscores ECG’s commitment to ensuring public welfare and minimizing risks associated with electrical infrastructure during adverse weather conditions.

  • ECG has witnessed sharp rise in revenue due to digitalisation – Bawumia

    ECG has witnessed sharp rise in revenue due to digitalisation – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed a significant increase in revenue collection at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) following the government’s digitalization initiatives.

    Dr. Bawumia credited the surge in ECG’s revenue collection to the digitalization of its operations, noting that monthly collections rose from GHC450 million to over a billion.

    Addressing the 14th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, Dr. Bawumia urged other member states to adopt Ghana’s approach of utilizing digital tools to combat corruption.

    He expressed dismay over the introduction of malware into the system during its initial stages by ECG staff in the IT department.

    Dr. Bawumia highlighted this transformation as a testament to the efficacy of digitalization in enhancing efficiency and curbing corruption.

    “Can you believe that workers within the system sabotaged it, they put ransomware into the whole system. And the system essentially collapsed. We had to send in national security to eventually find that it was some of the staff at the IT department who were culpable.

    He stressed, “We found the computer in which the ransomware was injected into the system. It took us a while to restore the system. They asked for a ransom actually for this to work. Can you imagine? That we should pay, they submitted a bill that we should pay for the system to work. Anyway, they were arrested.

    “And we restored the system, and we digitized the system, and we said that no more cash payments for electricity in Ghana. You only pay with your mobile money or electronic bank transfers. So that is now the case. Can you believe that from GHC450 million a month, the collection has now gone to over a billion cedis a month?” he asked.

  • Bawumia accuses ECG staff of using ransomware to sabotage paperless system

    Bawumia accuses ECG staff of using ransomware to sabotage paperless system

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has revealed that officials from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) hindered the government’s efforts to digitize revenue collection.

    Under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, the government has prioritized digitalization initiatives, with Dr. Bawumia playing a central role in driving these efforts forward.

    Speaking at the Annual AGM of Anti-corruption Agencies in Africa, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that certain individuals within the IT unit at ECG introduced ransomware into the system to disrupt its functionality.

    He elaborated that this ransomware caused a collapse of the system, necessitating intervention from national security to identify and address the individuals responsible for the sabotage.

    “They just kept it at GHC450 million every month. So, I said we need to send in a team to digitalise the new collection of the Electricity Company of Ghana, so we sent in a team, and we began the process of digitalise.

    “Can you believe that workers within the system sabotaged, they put in ransomware into the whole system. And the system essentially collapsed. We had to send in national security to eventually find that it was some of the staff at the IT department who were culpable.”

    “And we found the computer which the ransomware was injected in the system. It took us awhile to restore the system. They asked for a ransom to actually allow for this to work. Can you imagine? That we should pay, they submitted a bill that we should pay for the system to work.

    “Anyway, they were arrested. And we restored the system and we digitised the system and we said that no more cash payments for electricity in Ghana. You only pay by your mobile money, electronic bank transfers. So that is now the case. Can you believe that from GHC450 million a month, collections have now gone to over a billion cedis a month.”

  • Stay away from sagging electrical conductors when it rains – ECG warns public

    Stay away from sagging electrical conductors when it rains – ECG warns public

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning urging the public to stay away from sagging or fallen electrical conductors, especially during rainy weather, due to the potential fatal risks involved.

    In a statement released on Thursday, May 9, the power distributor emphasized the importance of caution, stating, “ECG wishes to caution all and sundry to be extremely careful during rainy days not to go near any sagging or fallen electrical conductor since it could be fatal.”

    The company also advised that any incidents of individual or localized power outages, as well as fallen or sagging conductors within customers’ vicinity, should be reported promptly to ensure safety.

    “Individual/localized outages and incidents of fallen or sagging conductors within customers’ vicinities should be reported to the ECG Call Centre on 0302-611611, the nearest ECG office, or reach us on our social media handles via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for prompt intervention,” it stated.

  • 10 tips to lower increasing electricity charges

    10 tips to lower increasing electricity charges

    Throughout Africa, the cost of electricity is steadily increasing, adding to the financial burden of consumers already grappling with inflation and economic pressures.

    Dr. Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage, emphasizes the importance of proactive energy management to alleviate this strain.

    He has shared 10 ways individuals can leverage smart home technologies to monitor, control, and automate electrical appliances, thereby conserving electricity and saving money.

    Knowledge is power: Understanding appliance energy consumption is crucial for efficient energy use. Smart home technologies offer insights into usage patterns, facilitating targeted energy-saving efforts.


    Load management: Home automation systems can prioritize energy usage, ensuring only one heavy-load appliance operates at a time for optimal energy distribution.


    Setting limits: Users can specify appliance operating durations to conserve energy, such as limiting geyser usage to specific hours.

    Scheduling: Leveraging off-peak hours for appliance usage can reduce electricity costs. Smart technology enables users to schedule appliance operation accordingly.


    Winter consumption: In colder months, energy demand rises due to heating appliances. Smart devices can regulate usage to minimize costs without compromising comfort.


    Environmental responsiveness: Smart technologies can adjust appliance usage based on environmental conditions, optimizing energy use and conservation.

    Remote control: Users can remotely monitor and control connected appliances via smartphones, ensuring energy efficiency even when away from home.


    Standby power management: Smart home solutions can identify and minimize standby power consumption, reducing electricity wastage.

    Renewable energy integration: Smart technologies facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy sources like rooftop solar, maximizing energy efficiency.


    Voltage protection: Setting voltage range limits safeguards appliances from damage during power fluctuations, ensuring efficient and safe operation.

    Dr. Dickson highlights that implementing smart home technologies doesn’t necessitate rewiring homes. Devices like smart plugs and controllers can be easily installed by electricians, offering cost-effective energy-saving solutions.

    As the cost of living continues to rise, Dr. Dickson encourages Africans to take control of their energy consumption and save where possible.

    For more information, visit https://CBI-LowVoltage.co.za or follow CBI-electric: low voltage on social media platforms.

    About CBI-electric: low voltage:


    Established in 1949, CBI-electric: low voltage specializes in quality low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment.

    As a subsidiary of Reunert, the company operates internationally, supplying products for diverse applications.

    In 2021, the brand launched its Astute Range of smart IoT home automation products, further enhancing its offerings in the energy management sector.

  • Electricity theft accounts for 30% of ECG revenue losses

    Electricity theft accounts for 30% of ECG revenue losses

    Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), James Klutse Avedzi, asserted that electricity theft contributes to 30% of the revenue losses experienced by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    He suggested that addressing this issue of electricity theft would enable the power distribution company to operate at a profit.

    During an appearance on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, May 5, 2024, Mr. Avedzi made these remarks, “If ECG is able to focus on rectifying the theft of power, which accounts for 30 percent of revenue losses, they can return to profit-making.”

    His statement follows the Auditor-General’s report, which underscored the revenue losses incurred by ECG.

    During his appearance before PAC in February this year, ECG’s Managing Director, Samuel Dubik Mahama, highlighted the detrimental impact of the local currency’s depreciation on their operations.

    Mahama elucidated that since the power distribution company primarily purchases electricity in dollars and sells in Cedi, the depreciation of the Cedi against major trading currencies, particularly the dollar, was adversely affecting their business.

    “The forex losses alone for the year are something that we have to look at in terms of our business. Forex losses are what culminate in over 80 percent of the losses that you are seeing. ECG sells electricity, so we will do our best to sell enough to reduce our commercial losses to the best of our ability to see how we can close that gap,” Mahama earlier stated.


    In March of this year, ECG initiated a nationwide revenue mobilization campaign.

    The head of ECG emphasized that this revenue mobilization effort was conducted in accordance with the provisions of Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s LI 2413(2020).

    This legislation granted ECG the authority to access all its installations at any given time.

    In contrast, ECG’s collection losses by September 2023 had surged to GH¢2,050,373,143.47.

    Collection loss refers to revenue not received due to non-payment, overdue payments, or uncollectible debts from tenants or customers.

    Regarding technical losses, the company reported a loss of GH¢1,279,369,021.42 compared to GH¢2,758,872,792.21 in 2022.

  • Anloga, Keta residents frustrated about ECG bills

    Anloga, Keta residents frustrated about ECG bills


    In the coastal communities of Anloga and Keta in the Volta Region of Ghana, residents have voiced grievances regarding what they perceive as insensitive billing practices by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    They claim that the irregular and excessive billing not only poses frustrations but also leads to significant disruptions in their daily routines and threatens the viability of local businesses.

    During interviews with various residents, a prevailing sentiment surfaced: widespread discontent and disillusionment with the ECG’s billing procedures.

    Numerous individuals recounted instances of receiving bills vastly surpassing their actual usage, with several noting abrupt surges in charges lacking explanation or justification.

    Emmanuel Gbli, a local small business proprietor in Anloga, voiced his exasperation, stating,  “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to sustain my business with these outrageous electricity bills. I’ve tried to reason with ECG officials but to no avail. It’s like they don’t care about the impact on us.”

    Similar sentiments were echoed by Martha, a resident of Keta, who lamented, “We are constantly living in fear of receiving our electricity bills. It’s like a lottery; you never know what amount they’ll come up with next. This uncertainty is suffocating both households and businesses alike.”

    Community leaders have also added their voices to the grievances, condemning the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for its perceived insensitivity and neglect. They contend that these billing practices not only destabilize the local economy but also diminish confidence in public utilities.

    In reaction to the outcry, representatives from the ECG have recognized the complaints and pledged to conduct an investigation into the issue. Nonetheless, residents maintain a sense of skepticism, pointing to past assurances that have resulted in minimal observable improvements.

    Villa Amore Beach Resort and Aborigines Beach Resort, alongside numerous other businesses, find themselves impacted by the exorbitant billing from ECG.

    Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of ECG has reassured residents to stay calm as the company works to address the issue.

  • ECG Staff boycott May Day event as Ashanti Regional Minister delivers a speech

    ECG Staff boycott May Day event as Ashanti Regional Minister delivers a speech

    Tensions escalated during the May Day celebration in the Ashanti region as employees of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) staged a walkout while Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, was delivering his speech on Wednesday, May 1.

    The employees were protesting against the minister’s decision to have their Regional Manager arrested and his failure to issue an apology for this action.

    The National Vice Chairman of the ECG Senior Staff Workers Union, Bismark Adomah, announced that the company would suspend all communication with the Minister until an official apology and withdrawal of the case were issued promptly.

    “As you are aware, we already have an issue with him. He has done something that the workers front are not happy. Initially, the workers front were demanding that we shouldn’t even appear at all. But we think that this is our programme and we need to represent. Since he said he’s not ready to fulfill whatever we asked him to do, we don’t even want to listen to him. So, this is just a peaceful protest that we’re not going to listen to whatever he will say. If he’s done with his speech, we’ll go back.”

    Furthermore, the ECG workers’ union threatened to disconnect the Ashanti Regional Minister’s private residence if it is discovered that he has outstanding electricity bills.

    This threat arose after Simon Osei Mensah denied accusations of unpaid electricity bills at some of his private properties.

    Mr. Osei Mensah clarified that, with the exception of his Jachie residence, all his other properties operate on prepaid meters.

    However, Yussif Osmanu Abdulai, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of ECG-Ashanti West, disclosed on Luv FM that the power company is currently reviewing meter readings from the minister’s residence.

    If it is confirmed that he has unpaid bills, they will not hesitate to disconnect power to his home.

    Watch video below:

  • May Day power outage due to rainstorm, flooding – ECG explains

    May Day power outage due to rainstorm, flooding – ECG explains

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a statement regarding the power outages experienced in parts of Accra yesterday, attributing them to the rainstorm that struck the Greater Accra Region on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024.

    In the press statement released today, the ECG explained that several primary substations were flooded as a result of the heavy rainfall, leading to interruptions in power supply. The affected substations include Station H in Dzorwulu, Burma Camp L, Station D in Avenor, High Street AH, La Trade AJ, Lakeside Estate, and Gbawe.

    ECG, in collaboration with the Ghana Fire Service, is actively working to drain the flooded substations to expedite the restoration of power supply to the affected areas.

    “We wish to assure our cherished customers and all stakeholders of our commitment to ensuring a stable power supply, and apologize unreservedly for the effect of the outage on our daily lives,” said William Boateng, Director of Communications at ECG.

    The power outages caused inconvenience to residents and businesses, highlighting the vulnerability of Ghana’s electricity infrastructure to adverse weather conditions.

    As efforts continue to restore power, residents are urged to exercise patience while ECG works to address the aftermath of the rainstorm and flooding.

  • May Day: ECG staff walkout as Simon Osei-Mensah takes stage to deliver speech

    May Day: ECG staff walkout as Simon Osei-Mensah takes stage to deliver speech

    Staff of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have staged a walkout as the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, was about to deliver his speech at the May Day Parade in Kumasi.

    Clad in red attire, the ECG employees held placards with messages urging the Regional Minister to refrain from interfering in their operations.

    This action was prompted by the Minister’s recent directive to arrest the Ashanti East Manager of the company, Ing. Wiafe Asomani, after the ECG National Taskforce disconnected the Kumasi Technical University due to outstanding debts.

    Following the Minister’s refusal to apologize, the workers took further action to demand redress. Despite their efforts, the Minister remained unapologetic.

    The leadership of the ECG Workers’ Union, spearheading the protest at the May Day event, maintained their stance that Mr. Osei-Mensah must apologize and withdraw the police case against their Manager.

    In an interview with Citi News, Yussif Osman the Chairman of ECG Senior Staff Union, Ashanti East, said, “We already have an issue with him, he has done something the workers front are not happy with, initially the workers front decided that we don’t appear at all.

    “But since this is our programme we came. Since the minister has decided not to fulfil whatever we have asked him to do, we don’t even want to listen to him.

    So this is just a peaceful protest that we’re not going to participate or listen to whatever he will say. We’re standing outside when he’s done with his speech we will go back.”

  • ‘What if you apologized to them’– Sefa Kayi to Ashanti Regional minister amid feud with ECG officials

    ‘What if you apologized to them’– Sefa Kayi to Ashanti Regional minister amid feud with ECG officials

    Host of the Kokrokoo morning show, Kwame Sefa Kayi, has encouraged Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah to pursue a peaceful resolution to his ongoing disagreement with officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the region.

    The Peace FM presenter proposes that rather than adopting a confrontational approach, the minister should extend a cordial apology to the employees of the power supply company to resolve the matter amicably.

    “But Minister, what would happen if you apologized to them? Not everything should be handled confrontationally. My friend, Mr. Osei-Mensah, this feud with ECG is not beneficial.

    Minister, you, of all people, should just call them and acknowledge them as your people… After that, offer them a meal, and that should conclude the matter,” he commented on the Monday, April 29, 2024, broadcast of his show.

    Employees of the Electricity Company of Ghana have been urging the Ashanti Regional Minister to apologize for his role in the arrest of their Ashanti East Manager, Mark Wiafe Asomani.

    However, Mr. Osei-Mensah has rejected these demands, maintaining that his actions were justified.

    “Do I need to apologize for carrying out my security duties? I want to clarify that I requested the police to summon Ing. Mark Asomani Wiafe on security grounds due to the events in the electricity sector in the region and the possibility of a task force from outside disconnecting power without adequate notification.

    It’s ironic that they claim not to be under my jurisdiction, hence I cannot direct their actions, yet they wish to instruct me on how to fulfill my security obligations as stipulated in the Securities and Intelligence Act of 2020, Act 10(30),” the minister explained to journalists during a press briefing last week.

    The Ashanti Regional Minister sanctioned the arrest of Mr. Wiafe following ECG’s decision to disconnect power to Kumasi Technical University over outstanding debts.

    The minister argues that ECG’s actions constituted a challenge to his authority.

  • ‘Dumsor’ crisis gradually coming to an end – ECG reportedly claims

    ‘Dumsor’ crisis gradually coming to an end – ECG reportedly claims

    Sources close to the Electricity Corporation of Ghana (ECG), according to Asaasenews, have confirmed that the seven weeks of load-shedding that have affected the entire country are gradually coming to an end.

    Sunday, April 28, 2024, the report said, marked a significant improvement in power generation, making it the best weekend since the load-shedding began.

    As a result of these improvements, no part of the nation experienced load management on Sunday, the report added.

    However, this claim has been contested by some citizens living at Frafraha, John Tei, who say they experienced power outages on the said day.

    Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reassured that the ongoing power supply issues, known as ‘dumsor‘, will soon be resolved.

    He made this statement during his campaign tour of the Eastern Region while speaking to the Clergy and Imams in Akropong on Monday, April 29.

    Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence in the government’s efforts to address the issue, which has led to criticism of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) by businesses, groups, and individuals.

    “I know there are challenges and I don’t want to paper over economic challenges. We are going to work on them. Currently, we have issues with power but I say that from the information I have received from the minister for energy, those power challenges will very soon, and I mean very soon be a thing of the past,” the vice president said.

    The Ghana Union of Traders Association has joined the voices calling on ECG for a load-shedding timetable to guide their operations.

    Despite this, ECG has maintained that the current challenge does not necessitate a load-shedding timetable.

  • Measures in place by govt to ensure the return of uninterrupted supply – ECG

    Measures in place by govt to ensure the return of uninterrupted supply – ECG

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has reportedly declared that no part of the country experienced load shedding on Sunday, April 29, 2024, signaling a significant improvement in power generation nationwide.

    As per information obtained by asaaseradio.com from an internal source at ECG, the 7-week long load shedding program, reminiscent of the dumsor era, is nearing its conclusion.

    The source revealed that the absence of load shedding on Sunday indicates an imminent end to the dumsor period, describing it as the best weekend of power supply since the commencement of load shedding.

    Additionally, the source affirmed that there are no plans for load shedding in the foreseeable future.

    These developments echo the assurances given by Herbert Krapa, Chairman of the Board of ECG, who stated in a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, that the government has implemented effective measures to resolve the current power crisis and ensure uninterrupted power supply for consumers.

    “As I said earlier today at Kaleo, at the Commissioning of VRA’s 15MW Solar Plant, the Government has put in place immediate measures to ensure the return of uninterrupted supply of power to consumers. I can, therefore, state that the unfortunate power challenges Ghanaians are facing should be over in the next few days.

    “We are fully confident that the measures being put in place should resolve the service interruptions. We empathise with all consumers and apologise unreservedly for the effects of the outages on our daily lives. Please bear with us. We are fixing it and we are nearly there,” Herbert Krapa’s post read

    For the past few weeks, power consumers across the country have been dealing with power outages.

    In light of these challenges, a portion of the Ghanaian public is asking the Ministry of Energy to publish an official timetable to keep consumers updated on power availability.

  • Current Finance Minister, PURC Secretary, and Railway Minister were former directors of ACEP – Tweep reveals sinister plot

    Current Finance Minister, PURC Secretary, and Railway Minister were former directors of ACEP – Tweep reveals sinister plot

    Unconfirmed reports have it that the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Samuel Dubik Mahama’s position hangs in the balance due to some forces from the Africa Centre for Energy Policy.

    Finance Minister-designate, Mohammed Amin Adam, Railway Minister, Peter Amewu, Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, Ishmeal Ackah, Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) have been accused of plotting to ensure Mr Mahama loses his job.

    In a tweet, an X user wrote, “Mafia CSOs! They topple certain govt officials to create jobs for themselves. Finance Minister Amin Anta, Railway Minister Peter Amewu, PURC Executive Sec. Ishmeal Ackah, were all directors at ACEP n are workn with the current DG Ben to oust ECG Boss! Mafia!!!.”

    The X user, however, failed to reveal the reason these personalities would be working to have Mr Mahama ousted.

    Recently, ACEP criticized the power distribution company for its failure to provide a load-shedding timetable amidst the escalating power outages, commonly known as ‘dumsor.’

    According to the user, the individuals said to be after the ECG boss’ job were at one time directors of ACEP.

    Peter Amewu is a co-founder of Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), where he worked as the director of policy and research, and provided policy advice to support a variety of government and private sector projects.

    Prior to his role as the Deputy Minister for Energy, Dr Amin Adam was the Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP). 

    Dr. Ishmael Ackah was head of Policy Unit at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), prior to his role as Executive Secretary at Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

  • Engineering Council to intervene in conflict between ECG workers and Ashanti Regional Minister

    Engineering Council to intervene in conflict between ECG workers and Ashanti Regional Minister

    The Engineering Council of Ghana has expressed disappointment with Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah’s refusal to apologize to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Workers’ Union for the arrest of one of their Managers.

    Mr. Osei-Mensah firmly rejected the Workers’ Union’s request for an apology regarding the arrest of ECG’s Ashanti Region East Manager, Ing. Mark Wiafe Asomani.

    The Minister defended his decision, citing security concerns that prompted him to instruct the police to summon Ing. Asomani.

    In a Citi News interview, the registrar of the Engineering Council, Engineer Isaac Bedu, described the Regional Minister’s actions as unfortunate and disclosed that the council would try to engage both parties on the issue.

    “It is unfortunate for him to interfere in the work of staff who are genuinely performing their duties and then when you are asked to apologise, you say you will not apologise.

    “We don’t want this to be like a precedent where anybody can just interfere in the work of professionals when they are doing their work. We may engage further and we urge the workers to exercise restraint and go about their normal duties.”

  • Withdraw those fraudulent bills you have sent me – Ashanti Regional Minister warns ECG

    Withdraw those fraudulent bills you have sent me – Ashanti Regional Minister warns ECG

    Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, is requesting the withdrawal of electricity bills issued to one of his private properties in Jachie, also situated within the region.

    He alleges that the recent bill from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) was fraudulent, as it purportedly did not accurately reflect the reading on the meter.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi on April 25, he said “the actual reading on the meter as of yesterday was 23,498 units. The bill that they submitted which definitely the meter would have been read far earlier is 25,355 units a whopping difference of more than 1,900 units.”

    “I am asking ECG to withdraw, retract and apologise to me else I will do the needful to redeem my reputation,” Mr Osei-Mensah said.

    Following a disagreement between the electricity distribution company and the Minister, a staff member of the company has threatened to disconnect the Minister’s residence if the debt remains unpaid.

    This incident stems from a dispute that arose when a Regional manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) was arrested at the Minister’s behest for disconnecting electricity to the Kumasi Technical University.

    Mr. Osei Mensah asserts that the recent bill was fabricated to tarnish his reputation. Despite irregular billing from the company to his private property, he affirms that he consistently pays his bills on time.

    As such he said, “I am also telling ECG to withdraw the fraudulent bill they have sent to me and bring the actual bill because I am responsible and I honour my obligation.”

    “They didn’t come to tell me to go and pay. On 2nd April, I paid GH₵1,600 because I know always it is less than even GH₵1,500. Most often less than GH₵1,000 because nobody stays there so it’s only light that I use except on a few occasions when I decide to visit my hometown.”

    Background

    This tension between the workers of the ECG and Mr Osei-Mensah comes after the Ashanti Regional Minister reported the Ashanti East General Manager, Ing. Michael Wiafe, to the police for refusing to reconnect power supply to the Kumasi Technical University after cutting supply to the school for owing GH₵600,000.00.

    In a press statement issued on Tuesday, April 16, PUWU stated that the university had been served with a notice demanding payment of their debt and outlining the consequences of not negotiating for payment.

    The statement further revealed that the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Dumor, engaged Ing. Wiafe to negotiate payment terms since they could not afford the 75 percent upfront payment required for re-connection.

  • “I don’t need to apologize for doing my security work” – Ashanti Regional Minister on ECG Manager’s arrest

    “I don’t need to apologize for doing my security work” – Ashanti Regional Minister on ECG Manager’s arrest


    The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, has refused to apologize for the apprehension of the Ashanti Regional Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    He justified his actions by asserting that he had instructed the Police to detain Mark Wiafe Asomani, the ECG’s Ashanti East Manager, due to security concerns.

    During a press briefing in Kumasi on Thursday, the Minister disclosed the existence of agreements between the ECG and the Kumasi Technical University to settle the University’s outstanding debts.

    Mr. Osei-Mensah assured journalists that he was simply fulfilling his duties and had not engaged in any misconduct.

    “Do I have to apologise for doing my security work? What I want to tell you is that I asked the police to invite Ing Mark Asomani Wiafe on security grounds because of the happenings in the electricity sector in the region and the fact that a task force can always come from outside to disconnect without the proper information.

    “What is ironic is that they tell me that they are not under me and for that matter, I cannot tell them what to do but they want to tell me how to execute my security responsibilities as enshrined in the Securities and Intelligence Act of 2020, Act 10(30).”

    The Minister also rejected allegations that certain ECG managers are part of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

  • Must I apologize for fulfilling my security duties? – Ashanti regional minister quizzes ECG

    Must I apologize for fulfilling my security duties? – Ashanti regional minister quizzes ECG

    The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, has remained steadfast in his position despite calls from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Workers’ Union for an apology over the arrest of their manager, Mark Wiafe Asomani.

    Defending his actions, the minister clarified that he instructed the police to arrest the Ashanti East Manager of the ECG for security reasons.

    Addressing the matter at a press conference in Kumasi, he emphasized that his actions were within the scope of his responsibilities and did not contravene any laws.

    “Do I have to apologise for doing my security work? What I want to tell you is that I asked the police to invite Ing Mark Asomani Wiafe on security grounds because of the happenings in the electricity sector in the region and the fact that a taskforce can always come from outside to disconnect without the proper information.

    “What is ironic is that they tell me that they are not under me and for that matter, I cannot tell them what to do but they want to tell me how to execute my security responsibilities as enshrined in the Securities and Intelligence Act of 2020, Act 10(30),” citinewsroom.com quoted the minister as having said.

    He also criticized the ECG for disregarding warnings from the security council to ensure uninterrupted power supply at the residences of the president and vice president during their visits to the Ashanti Region.

    Additionally, the minister refuted claims suggesting that certain ECG managers are members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), underscoring the importance of adhering to security responsibilities as mandated by law.

    He further highlighted existing agreements between the ECG and the Kumasi Technical University aimed at resolving the university’s outstanding debts.

  • 9 communities in Shama in darkness due to 3 broken ECG pylons

    9 communities in Shama in darkness due to 3 broken ECG pylons

    Nine communities around Shama and Daboase have been without power since Tuesday, April 23, following the destruction of three pylons by a heavy rainstorm.

    The affected areas include Inch Aban, Shama, Nyankrom, Komfueku, Dwomo, Daboase, Beposo, Sekyere Krobo, Anlo Beach, and surrounding communities.

    The Western Regional Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has assured customers that it is diligently working to restore power supply.

    Sekondi District Manager of ECG, Engineer Martin Djan, made this statement during an inspection of restoration works at Essipon.

    He appealed to customers in the affected communities and assured them that power would be restored within 24 hours, as engineers were working tirelessly to resolve the issue.

    “Yesterday we had a severe challenge that had to do with the breaking down of three of our out pylons on the Ketan BSP stretch up to Inchaban sub-station because of heavy downpour. We have more of our communities down at the moment without power…Currently, we are doing our maximum best to restore power, so what I have done is to contract three of my best contractors who are currently on site.

    “We have planned that within 24 hours we should be able to bring back the power so that our customers can enjoy power”, he said.

  • ECG awaits apology from Ashanti Regional Minister over abuse of power

    ECG awaits apology from Ashanti Regional Minister over abuse of power

    The Ashanti Region branch of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is awaiting an apology from the Regional Minister.

    Simon Osei Mensah, the Regional Minister, ordered the arrest of Michael Wiafe, the area’s General Manager, following a disconnection exercise at Kumasi Technical University.

    Despite demands from the power distribution company for an apology for the perceived abuse of power, the Regional Minister has not issued one.

    Bismark Adomah, National Vice Chairman of the Senior Staff Association for ECG, stated that the Minister’s failure to apologize and withdraw the case against Mr. Wiafe has led them to start hoisting red flags at their premises.

    “Yes, we are requesting for apology from the minister and go ahead and withdraw the case from the police station from the police station.”

    Mr. Adomah mentioned that after a meeting with the National Executive Council (NEC) on Monday, they initiated the display of red flags in all ECG offices nationwide.

    He noted that the NEC also resolved that all four general managers in the region would abstain from attending any meetings convened by the Regional Minister.

    Mr. Adomah reassured that despite the disagreement between the Minister and the ECG, service delivery to consumers would remain unaffected, as all employees are diligently fulfilling their respective duties.

    “We are all at our offices working. Everybody is working. Those who are to go outside are outside working. Those at the offices are at the offices working and we are wearing our red, hoisting our red flag throughout our offices,”  he said.

    Furthermore, employees of ECG in the Ashanti Region have issued a cautionary message to the Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, urging prompt settlement of his overdue electricity charges.

    Should the Minister disregard this warning, the workers have stated their intention to disconnect his private residences from the national power grid.


      1. Ashanti Regional Minister is yet to apologize to us – ECG

        Ashanti Regional Minister is yet to apologize to us – ECG

        The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti Region has stated that it has not yet received an apology from Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah for his actions toward the area’s General Manager, Michael Wiafe.

        Following a disconnection exercise at Kumasi Technical University, the Ashanti Regional Minister ordered the arrest of Mr. Wiafe. Despite demands from the power distribution company for an apology for the abuse of power, their requests have been ignored.

        National Vice Chairman of the Senior Staff Association for ECG, Bismark Adomah, stated on Joy FM’s Midday News on April 24 that the Minister’s failure to apologize for the abuse of power and his refusal to withdraw the case against Mr. Wiafe has led them to start hoisting red flags on their premises.

        Mr. Adomah explained that following a meeting with the National Executive Council (NEC) on Monday, they have initiated the hoisting of red flags in all ECG offices nationwide.

        “Yes, we are requesting for apology from the minister and go ahead and withdraw the case from the police station from the police station.”

        Additionally, all four general managers in the region have decided to boycott any meetings called by the Regional Minister.

        Despite the conflict between the Minister and the ECG, Mr. Adomah assured that it would not affect service delivery to consumers, as all workers are diligently performing their duties.

        Furthermore, workers of the ECG in the Ashanti Region have issued a warning to Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah, demanding immediate payment of his outstanding electricity bills. They have threatened to disconnect the Minister’s private residences from the national grid if he fails to comply with the warning.

        “We are all at our offices working. Everybody is working. Those who are to go outside are outside working. Those at the offices are at the offices working and we are wearing our red, hoisting our red flag throughout our offices,” he said.

      2. Financial constraints preventing ECG from publishing load-shedding timetable – Kofi Kapito

        Financial constraints preventing ECG from publishing load-shedding timetable – Kofi Kapito

        The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Consumer Protection Agency, Kofi Kapito, has come to the defense of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) regarding its failure to release a load-shedding timetable during the ongoing power outages in the country.

        Mr. Kapito attributed ECG’s inability to provide a load-shedding timetable to financial constraints, stating that the current energy crisis is exacerbated by financial issues rather than solely generation capacity limitations.

        In an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, April 23, Kapito emphasized that addressing the financial challenge would eliminate the necessity for a load-shedding timetable.

        He urged patience from Ghanaians and others demanding such a timetable while efforts are made to resolve the financial challenges.

        The CEO of the Consumer Protection Agency reiterated that once the financial issues are addressed, the need for a load-shedding timetable would cease to exist.

        He called for cooperation and patience from all stakeholders in stabilizing the energy situation in the country.

        Mr Kapito highlighted the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that ECG’s ability to provide a timetable is contingent upon the availability of funds for paying Independent Power Producers (IPPs) or purchasing fuel for power plants.

        “As we all know it is not like before when we used to build some transformers which we knew is going to take us some months and so we have to do some proper plan and then bring out a timetable.”

        “Unfortunately, because it is financial, it is difficult for ECG to say that they will bring a timetable simply because people are calling for it. If they bring the timetable and money becomes available, thus, they are able to pay the IPPs or they have to buy the necessary fuel for power plants, then what happens to the timetable? That I think is the challenge the ECG is facing.”

        “ECG is in the business to sell you power. When ECG gets the electricity, they have no need apart from selling it to the consumer or anybody who needs it. So, when people sometimes behave as if ECG has the power and they are doing something or intentionally not distributing it, I find it a little difficult,” he said.

        He stressed that ECG’s primary function is to sell power, and any perception that the company is intentionally withholding electricity is misguided.

        Meanwhile, Senior Presidential Advisor Yaw Osafo-Maafo clarified that only the Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, has the authority to authorize the publication of a load-shedding timetable.

        Osafo-Maafo explained that this decision depends on the volume of power being generated and what ECG can distribute.

      3. We will disconnect your power if you owe us – ECG ‘threatens’ Ashanti Regional Minister

        We will disconnect your power if you owe us – ECG ‘threatens’ Ashanti Regional Minister

        Workers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have issued a caution to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, regarding possible outstanding electricity bills at his private residences.

        They have warned that failure to settle these bills could result in disconnection from the national grid.

        This warning follows a series of protests by ECG workers in response to the Minister’s order for the arrest of one of their managers.

        The Minister’s actions have caused discontent among ECG workers, particularly after he ordered the arrest of the company’s Ashanti East Manager, Mark Wiafe Asomani, following the disconnection of power to the Kumasi Technical University due to unpaid bills.

        Despite demands for an apology from the Workers’ Union of the ECG, the Minister has not issued one, even after the given ultimatum expired on Tuesday.

        In protest, ECG workers have started wearing red bands at their offices nationwide, though they have ensured that customer service remains unaffected.

        The Union leadership has expressed their readiness to escalate the protest if the Minister does not take appropriate action, emphasizing that his actions are unacceptable and he must be held accountable.

        A worker told Citi News on Wednesday “If the regional minister owes any bill in his private house we are going there. This week we will get to his house if he owes a pesewa, we will disconnect him then the police must come and arrest all of us.

        “If he arrests any regional boss all of us will be at the prison yard. So, they should expand the prison yard all of us are coming. We are expecting him to apologise…We know all his houses …We are going there…He should prepare to pay his money, or we will disconnect him.”

        Another worker said “The action of the minister is more of a security concern than our General Manager’s meeting at the REGSEC. The reason is that the actions can lead to other customers emulating what he did and we think that he should just apologise unreservedly to ECG then we move on. We have a series of actions to take. This is the first step That is why we said that if he is not apologizing someone should tell him to do so.”

      4. Not everyone can resort to a generator, let there be light – Gideon Boako tells ECG

        Not everyone can resort to a generator, let there be light – Gideon Boako tells ECG

        Dr. Gideon Boako who is the spokesperson for Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to urgently address the ongoing power outages in the country.

        Speaking on Peace FM he emphasised the critical importance of reliable electricity supply in the 21st century.

        Dr. Boako expressed deep concern over the persistent power cuts, locally known as “dumsor,” highlighting the significant impact they have on the daily lives of Ghanaians.

        He stressed that in today’s modern society, virtually everyone relies on electricity for various essential activities, and any interruption in power supply poses serious challenges.

        The economic advisor underscored the importance of uninterrupted electricity for businesses, households, and essential services, urging the ECG to take immediate action to restore stable power supply across the nation.

        “Let there be light, there must be light, it’s very worrying, in this 21st century virtually everyone depends on light. If the light is taken for a second it becomes a problem. Not everyone can resort to a generator,” he stated.

        He called on the ECG to prioritize addressing the root causes of the power challenges and implementing effective solutions to prevent future disruptions.

        Dr. Boako also urged the company to enhance transparency and communication with the public regarding the status of power supply and any planned maintenance activities.

      5. IES welcomes privatization of ECG

        IES welcomes privatization of ECG

        Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, has emphasized that the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is long overdue.

        Amidst frequent power outages, there have been increasing calls for the privatization of ECG.

        In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Nana Amoasi VII revealed that a previous attempt to privatize ECG was unsuccessful.

        He highlighted that ECG loses more than 30% of the power it receives from the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), with these losses ultimately borne by consumers.

        Nana Amoasi VII also pointed out other issues in the power sector that need to be addressed.

        Nana Amoasi VII suggested that the private sector, with its access to the capital market and its competency and efficiency, could provide a solution.

        He stressed the importance of the country deciding on the type of privatization it seeks and strategizing accordingly to achieve its goals.

        “It is long overdue. Long overdue, and I think that we attempted one form, and we frustrated our own initiative. Today, ECG through technical and commercial reading, is losing more than 30% of the power they inherit from GRIDCo the transmitter and that is a loss.

        “Some of these losses will be factored into the tariffs that we pay and that means that we will be paying for somebody’s inefficiency, you and I to some extent. The next is that we don’t have a robust distribution grid, we don’t have a strong distribution grid. It must be invested into. The next is that we are struggling to collect the bills, raise the needed revenue at the end of the value chain and pay the other players within the chain.”

        “These are issues that must be addressed. We are struggling today as a power sector because of our 1.5 billion debts impacting negatively on fuel supply and also on unplanned maintenance. Where are we going to get this investment into ECG when we know that already the sector is debt-ridden?

        “The private sector has access to the capital market, the private sector comes in with some form of competence and efficiency because they are more profit-oriented and driven and therefore, they will produce or put forward all the technology and innovation necessary to run efficiently and effectively the ECG.

      6. Privatizing ECG may jeopardize national development – Energy expert

        Privatizing ECG may jeopardize national development – Energy expert

        Chief Executive Officer of Independent Power Generators Ghana, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has expressed concerns regarding the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), suggesting that it could jeopardize accessibility and affordability.

        He elaborated that private ownership of ECG might result in unstable power supply, thereby disrupting business operations.

        In a statement obtained by the media , Mr. Apetorgbor remarked, “Privatisation may risk the accessibility, affordability, and stability of electricity services, crucial for national development.”

        His remarks follow Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s call for the government to consider privatizing selected public entities such as the Electricity Company of Ghana and Volta River Authority, aiming to spur industrial growth and attract investment in Ghana.

        Speaking at the inauguration of a 430-kilometer natural gas pipeline by Genser Energy, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II advocated for private sector management of these firms, citing greater efficiency and effectiveness.

        In response, Mr. Apetorgbor cautioned against the privatization of enterprises, noting that it often prioritizes profit maximization over public service.

        He expressed concern that privatized companies might concentrate on affluent areas while neglecting rural and low-income communities, potentially resulting in tariff hikes that disproportionately affect consumers with limited purchasing power.

        Consequently, he urged the government to concentrate on strengthening and retaining the Electricity Company of Ghana, emphasizing the importance of accountability, equitable access, and strategic governance control over this national asset.

      7. Ashanti Regional ECG Manager was carrying out his regular duties – Engineering Council condemns arrest

        Ashanti Regional ECG Manager was carrying out his regular duties – Engineering Council condemns arrest

        The Engineering Council of Ghana has expressed serious concerns regarding the arrest of the General Manager of the Ashanti East Office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Michael Wiafe.

        Ing. Wiafe was arrested on April 10, 2024, after overseeing an operation to disconnect the power supply to Kumasi Technical University due to non-payment.

        This action was reportedly disapproved by the Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, leading to his directive for the arrest.

        In a statement issued by the council, the Council emphasized that Ing. Wiafe was simply performing his routine duties related to power distribution and the recovery of payments.

        “The Engineering Council is troubled by the fact that an engineering practitioner, who was carrying out his regular duties of ensuring power distribution and recovery of payments, has to face such a harrowing experience.”

        “Such a development not only serves as a disincentive to other engineering practitioners but could, potentially, interfere with the work of other professionals in their respective organisations,” part of the statement read.

        The Engineering Council has urged for an immediate and comprehensive investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the arrest and to prevent any future unwarranted interference in the professional duties of engineers.

        “The Engineering Council is calling for an immediate investigation into the matter. It is necessary to take all the required steps to prevent any similar unwarranted interference in the diligent discharge of duty by professionals.

        “The council is urging all engineering practitioners across the country restraint while appropriate state agencies deal with the matter,” it added.

      8. Ayeh-Paye backs govt, ECG’s excuse that there is no ‘dumsor’

        Ayeh-Paye backs govt, ECG’s excuse that there is no ‘dumsor’

        Despite the incessant power outages disrupting homes and businesses across Ghana, former Member of Parliament for Ayensuano, Samuel Ayeh-Paye, maintains that the country is not in the throes of the dreaded ‘dumsor’ era, marked by severe power crises.

        Ayeh-Paye’s assertion comes amidst widespread calls from affected sectors for the government to issue a load-shedding timetable to manage the erratic power supply situation.

        Echoing Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s stance from last month, Ayeh-Paye denies the existence of ‘dumsor’ and challenges advocates of load-shedding to provide their own timetables.

        According to Ayeh-Paye, Ghana currently possesses sufficient installed capacity to meet power demand, but technical challenges are hindering the full utilisation of that capacity.

        “We are having some power outages and according to the power agencies, they are saying that there is no ‘dumsor’ but technical challenges. ‘Dumsor’ happens when you don’t have enough power to produce or supply the exact peak demand that we need,” he explained.

        “As we speak, our peak production is around 3,600 megawatts, and what we get is a little below that and we have a shortfall, and what they [the power agencies] are saying is that the shortfall is not as a result of not having an installed capacity. The calculation is having about 5,000 plus installed capacity.”

        Ayeh-Paye further dismissed suggestions that the outages are due to financial constraints in procuring fuel for power plants or paying independent power producers.

        He stated, “What the [Energy] Ministry is telling us is that the issue is not about us not having money to buy fuel, the issue is about some of the plants being under maintenance and repairs and the ECG is also telling us that they have challenges with their transformers.”

        Despite the assurances, the intermittent disruptions have sparked concerns among businesses and residents who experienced the crippling ‘dumsor’ crisis between 2012 and 2016.

      9. Dumsor is here, but they don’t care! – Netizens furious at ECG, call for timetable

        Dumsor is here, but they don’t care! – Netizens furious at ECG, call for timetable

        Many online users have taken to social media to express their frustration and demand urgent action from the government regarding the ongoing power outages (dumsor) plaguing the country.

        The prolonged and unpredictable power cuts, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor,’ have persisted for several months, prompting widespread concern among citizens.

        Despite assurances from the government, communicated through the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), that the issues causing the power cuts have been resolved, many areas continue to experience disruptions in power supply.

        The ECG’s statement on March 29, 2024, insisted that any power outages were due to localised faults rather than a widespread return of ‘dumsor.’

        However, the situation has not improved for many affected individuals and communities since the issuance of the ECG’s statement.

        In recent online discussions, numerous users have shared their experiences of the adverse effects of the power cuts, particularly concerning the discomfort and challenges faced, especially by young children, during hot nights without electricity.

        Umaru Sanda Amadu, a multimedia journalist at Citi FM and Citi TV, for instance, tweeted, “I can hear people’s children crying from nearby homes. Mine are sweating but not crying yet. They’re sweating because the power is off again, and the government officials we pay to fix it can’t be bothered! Sad State. #Dumsor is here, but they don’t care.”

        Another user, @niilexis, described how some of his neighbours had to eventually turn on their cars to allow their newborns to enjoy some air-conditioning.

        “Two neighbours had to put their cars on so their newly-born babies could escape the heat and have some relief to sleep. It’s 2024; this shouldn’t be how we live our lives,” he tweeted.

        A young lady who said she nearly lost her job because of this situation wrote, “I nearly cried yesterday. Light off from 7am to 6pm, came back for only 15mins. Yes 15mins, and off again till this morning. All gadgets went off, missed meetings, no calls. Nearly lost my job.”

        Gary Al-Smith of the Multimedia Group had this to say:

        “Heartbreaking to see dumsor back with this kind of vengeance. For those of us with little kids, it’s a chastening experience that should not be suffered.”

        A mother, @OyooQuartey, shared a photo of how she cared for her daughter in the heat, with the caption:

        “This was us two nights ago in this dumsor. I made a cold compress to cool her down in the intolerable heat. 1am to 2am before I slept in the couch by the open window. I almost wept with exhaustion. Isn’t there any protest coming up?”

      10. Localised fault – ECG insist on a stable national power supply amid ‘dumsor’

        Localised fault – ECG insist on a stable national power supply amid ‘dumsor’

        Amidst widespread frustration and calls for transparency from the government regarding the recent unexplained power disruptions across Ghana, a statement from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), issued on March 29, 2024, has resurfaced online.

        In the statement, ECG clarified that the current power fluctuations are not indicative of a resurgence of “dumsor,” the term commonly used to describe erratic power supply in the country.

        Instead, the ECG asserted that Ghana is experiencing a “stable national power supply” or a stable national grid.

        Furthermore, the statement attributed any ongoing power outages post-dated March 29, 2024, to localised faults rather than systemic issues.

        ECG also provided contact details for customers experiencing power-related challenges to seek assistance.

        Despite these assurances, many individuals continue to grapple with the inconvenience of unannounced power interruptions, particularly during the evenings. Concerns have been raised, especially regarding the impact on children’s sleep patterns due to the disruptions.

        For instance, Umaru Sanda Amadu, a multimedia journalist at Citi FM and Citi TV, tweeted, “I can hear people’s children crying from nearby homes. Mine are sweating but not crying yet. They’re sweating because the power is off again, and the government officials we pay to fix it can’t be bothered! Sad State. #Dumsor is here, but they don’t care.”

        Another user, @niilexis, described how some of his neighbours had to eventually turn on their cars to allow their newborns to enjoy some air-conditioning.

        “Two neighbours had to put their cars on so their newly-born babies could escape the heat and have some relief to sleep. It’s 2024, this shouldn’t be how we live our lives,” he tweeted.

        A young lady who said she nearly lost her job because of this situation wrote, “I nearly cried yesterday. Light off from 7am to 6 p.m. and came back for only 15 minutes. Yes, 15 minutes, and off again till this morning. All gadgets went off, missed meetings, no calls. I nearly lost my job.”

        Gary Al-Smith of the Multimedia Group, had this to say:

        “Heartbreaking to see Dumsor back with this kind of vengeance. For those of us with little kids, it’s a chastening experience that should not be suffered.”

      11. ECG has an independent agreement with IPPs for power supply – Kwadwo Poku

        ECG has an independent agreement with IPPs for power supply – Kwadwo Poku

        Energy expert and member of the NPP’s 2024 manifesto energy committee, Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, has disclosed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has established agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) to supply power to its customers.

        Consequently, he supports ECG’s stance against Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) regarding the publication of a load-management schedule.

        GRIDCo, in a statement dated March 28, notified the sector minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, about ECG’s non-compliance with a load-management schedule issued by the systems manager.


        “ECG had their own power purchase agreement within which they operate and they have arranged and signed off in agreement with these independent power producers (IPPs). If at any point in time these IPPs are generating far in excess of what you need for your concessionary area, then somebody calls you to tell you that you need maybe 2000 megawatts for your concessionary area.

        The power purchase agreement you have signed with the IPPs are producing 3000, but you, that you only need 2000 of the 2000 that you signed agreement, manage load of let’s say 200 megawatts.

        “ECG is saying that why should I manage the load because my contractual obligation is being met and I should be able to get power for my customers,” he explained on The Key Points on Saturday, April 20.

        Calls for dumsor timetable
        Responding to concerns about ECG’s failure to release a load-shedding timetable despite the persistent erratic power supply, the NPP communicator asserted that ECG does not merely publish a load-shedding timetable.

        He noted that a lot goes into the drawing of a load-management schedule.
        Mr. Nsafoah cited the ECG’s statement, which noted that the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) gives ECG limited timelines in notifying it of generation shortfalls to their bulk supply points (BSPs), which results in dumsor.

        He also dismissed the concerns that the power challenges in the country are largely due to a lack of money to purchase fuel.

      12. Let them pay the money back either in cash or properties – Vitus Azeem on MASLOC CEO case

        Let them pay the money back either in cash or properties – Vitus Azeem on MASLOC CEO case

        Anti-corruption advocate Vitus Azeem has called on the government to prioritize the recovery of embezzled state funds over the imprisonment of convicted individuals.

        His statement follows the sentencing of former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu to 10 years in prison with hard labor for various acts of embezzlement.

        Additionally, former MASLOC COO Daniel Axim received a five-year prison term with hard labor after being found guilty on 78 counts related to financial misconduct.

        Azeem contends that the primary focus should be on retrieving the misappropriated funds rather than solely punishing the perpetrators.

        He emphasized that if individuals are found culpable for causing financial losses to the state, the foremost action should be the restitution of the stolen funds.

        “As for sending the person to jail, it should be a second factor. That is penalising the person for the crime. The state should be interested in getting the money back either in cash or properties acquired by the person in the years.”

        “So for me, the priority should be recovering the money. Retrieving the money that has been illegally taken and then of course the person has committed a crime by illegally taking the money, you can now go ahead and jail the person,” he said.

        According to Mr. Azeem, the investigation involving Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu and Daniel Axim should be a starting point because there are a lot of people involved in it.

        “The investigation should go beyond these two personalities. There are people who collaborated, there are people who connived. There are people who condoned in this whole exercise and they should be brought to book.”

      13. You have no power to impose fine on board members – ECG ‘schools’ PURC

        You have no power to impose fine on board members – ECG ‘schools’ PURC

        Lawyers representing the board members of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have contested the GH₵5.8 million fine imposed by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for failing to provide a consistent load-management schedule.

        The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has issued a six-week ultimatum to the Board Members of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to pay a fine of GHC5,868,000.

        The Board members of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), who served from January 1st to March 18th, 2024, are required to pay the regulatory charge for overseeing power outages without notifying consumers during this period.

        The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) issued this directive in a letter to ECG on Monday, April 15.

        In a letter to the PURC dated April 17, 2024, the lawyers argue that the PURC exceeded its authority by targeting the board members. They assert that the Commission’s legal mandate allows it to impose fines on the company (ECG) as a public utility, not on individual board members.

        They further argue that board members, who are not directly involved in day-to-day operations, cannot be held personally responsible for the company’s actions.

        While the PURC justified the fine by citing the board’s responsibility for strategic direction and ensuring quality service, the lawyers counter that only “principal officers” directly involved in day-to-day management can be held personally liable under the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act.

        “It is patently clear that under the said provision, the Commission can only impose a regulatory charge on a public utility. The Commission does not have the power/authority to purport to impose any regulatory charge on officers of the public utility. The Commission in purporting to impose the said regulatory charges on the Board Members of ECG clearly exceeded their jurisdiction as it is not within their powers/authority to do so.

        “It must also be stated that the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited as a corporate body has a legal personality that is distinct from its Board Members. This is the very foundation of Company Law. The officers of the company cannot be held liable for the acts of the company.

        “Lifting the veil of incorporation to go after the officers of the company can only be done in exceptional cases and can only done by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Commission’s lack of jurisdiction, power and/or authority to lift the veil of incorporation in the instant matter to purport to impose regulatory charges personally on the Board Members of ECG is strengthened by the provisions of Sections 38 & 42 of The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, Act 538,1997,” a part of the letter read.

        The lawyers also raised concerns about due process, claiming that the board members were not given an opportunity to be heard before the fine was imposed, which they argue violates the principles of natural justice.

        The board members, through their legal representatives, reject the fine and its implications, maintaining that the PURC acted unlawfully and without proper authority.

        “The Commission’s basis for holding the Board Members personally liable is because “These Board Members were at all material times responsible for providing strategic direction to ensure the provision of safe, adequate, efficient, reasonable and non-discriminatory service to consumers”

        “As stated above, under Section 38 of Act 538 a default on the part of a public utility in the payment of a penalty may lead to the personal liability of a principal officer of the public utility. Under Section 49 of Act 538 a principal officer means the person responsible for the day-to-day administration of the affairs of the public utility.

        “Board members of ECG are not responsible for the day-to-day administration of ECG and, therefore, are not principal officers within the intendment of Act 538 to be able to be held liable for a default on the part of the public utility ECG.

        “The Commission’s Order imposing regulatory charges on the members of the Boards is unlawful, null and void as same is without jurisdiction. By this Order, the Commission has unlawfully clothed itself with the powers of the High Court, and imposed a sentence on the Board Members, without having been given the opportunity to be heard which amounts to a breach of the rules of natural justice. Our clients, therefore, reject the contents of the regulatory order relative to any personal liability on their part.”

        Letter-to-PURCDownload
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      14. Stop interfering in our operations – ECG tells Ashanti Regional minister

        Stop interfering in our operations – ECG tells Ashanti Regional minister

        Staff of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti Region have raised concerns about what they see as unwarranted interference in their operations by the regional minister, Simon Osei-Mensah.

        The controversy arose following the arrest of ECG’s General Manager, Michael Wiafe, prompted by a complaint from the minister.

        The dispute stemmed from Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) being disconnected from the national grid due to an alleged GH¢1.2 million outstanding debt.

        Minister Osei-Mensah asserted that he had instructed ECG to notify him before disconnecting power to public universities.

        Feeling this protocol was disregarded in the case of KsTU, he filed a complaint, resulting in the General Manager’s detention.

        In response, ECG staff, represented by the Senior and Junior Staff Unions, issued a statement rejecting the minister’s authority over their activities.

        They clarified that ECG does not report to him nor does it take directives from him on revenue mobilization and collection.

        The staff demanded an apology from Minister Osei-Mensah to the General Manager and ECG as a whole.

        They also called for the withdrawal of the case against Mr Wiafe from the police station by Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

        Failure to meet these demands would result in a protest by ECG staff in the Ashanti Region. They pledged to hoist red flags and wear red attire on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, to demonstrate their dissatisfaction.

        “We the Senior Staff Union and the Junior Staff Union of the four (4) Regions of Ashanti are registering our displeasure about the actions of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah over the way he spoke to the General Manager/Ashanti East, Ing. Mark Wiafe Asumani over the disconnection of Power Supply to the Kumasi Technical University.

        “His report to be the Zongo Police Station, the subsequent arrest of the General Manager, and he (GM) being granted a self-recognizance bail.

        “…We want the Regional Minister to know that ECG does not report to him and does not take instructions from him on all of its activities including Revenue Mobilization/Collection,” part of the press statement said.

        The staff urged the public to disregard the minister’s actions and ensure timely payment of electricity bills to maintain uninterrupted power supply.

      15. ECG, GRIDCo and VRA operations are being disrupted by political influence – Kwame Jantuah

        ECG, GRIDCo and VRA operations are being disrupted by political influence – Kwame Jantuah

        Energy expert, Kwame Jantuah has asserted that the primary obstacle hindering the effective performance of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and the Volta River Authority (VRA) is political interference.

        He argued that political appointees within these institutions should step aside to allow technical experts to carry out their duties effectively.

        Mr Jantuah’s comments come in response to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s call to diversify GRIDCo, ECG, and VRA. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II believes that privatizing these entities will enhance their efficiency.

        During the commissioning of a 430-kilometer natural gas pipeline by Genser Energy in Kumasi on April 17, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the importance of government involving the private sector in establishing and managing companies.

        “VRA and others are all government establishments, let’s give it out and diversify them into the private sector and get more money there and get the right people to do it. GRIDCo and others let’s give them the money and get the qualified people, diverse government from it and let them work. Electricity Company is in a situation where we don’t know, but that also must be diversified and given to the private sector.

        “Why are we still holding on when we don’t have the money? We’re not able to collect all the taxes we want, we’re going to IMF and all those for money. We’re hanging onto industries we cannot maintain and run.”

        He added “It’s about time we face reality and decide on what government should be doing and what the private sector should be doing. This is a testimony of the private sector, and they were able to attract investors.”

        He urged the government to privatize VRA and other state-owned enterprises to attract more investment and create employment opportunities.

        Mr Jantuah, speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3, questioned the feasibility of entrusting these critical sectors to the private sector. He raised concerns about whether banks could raise the necessary funds and highlighted potential issues such as capital flight.

        Furthermore, Jantuah underscored the importance of having technical experts manage technical institutions to ensure continuity and effectiveness, advocating for a reduction in political interference.

        He pointed out that the politicization of institutions such as the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), ECG, and GRIDCo is detrimental to their operations.

        “Does the private sector have the wherewithal to do this? Even if you go to the banks, can banks raise the money? I remember when we discovered oil we tried to syndicate banks to raise money for exploration, were we able to do it? Let us be honest, I respect Otumfuo highly, he is my relative and I respect him but can we do it? Can we trust the privatise sector? Isn’t it capital flight?

        “PDS, when they came, what happened? The internationals that come to Ghana to work, do they not change the money into their currencies and take it away,? Isn’t it our local forex that they change the money away?

        “We have to be sure that we have streamlined our laws, you need technical people to run technical institutions so that when the government changes those technical people are still there this issue about the president nominating everybody, that is where you get the politics in there. This PURC, ECG GRDICO thing, it is politics.”

      16. Involve private sector players in running of ECG, GRIDCo to ensure efficiency – Asantehene to gov’t

        Involve private sector players in running of ECG, GRIDCo to ensure efficiency – Asantehene to gov’t

        Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged the Akufo-Addo government to address the economic realities by implementing policies that stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, and attract more investment.

        In addition to prioritizing policies, the Asantehene suggested privatizing public enterprises like the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) by involving the private sector.

        He stressed that private sector involvement would bring in crucial financial investments and fresh ideas, competencies, and resources needed for the sustainability of these enterprises.

        The Asantehene warned that without such reforms, both the government and the Ghanaian people would miss out on the benefits of these state-owned enterprises.

        He made these remarks during the commissioning of a 430-kilometre natural gas pipeline by Genser Energy on Wednesday, April 17.

        “It’s about time that the government realises that it’s not going to work for the government to be involved in setting up companies without involving the private sector. It doesn’t work. The government should confront policies and involve the private sector and you can attract more investors into the country which will create more employment.

        “VRA and others are all government establishments, let’s give it out and diversify them into the private sector and get more money there and get the right people to do it. GRIDCo and others let’s give them the money and get the qualified people, diverse government from it and let them work. Electricity Company is in a situation where we don’t know, but that also must be diversified and given to the private sector.

        “Why are we still holding on when we don’t have the money? We’re not able to collect all the taxes we want, we’re going to IMF and all those for money. We’re hanging onto industries we cannot maintain and run.

        “It’s about time we face reality and decide on what government should be doing and what the private sector should be doing. This is a testimony of the private sector, and they were able to attract investors,” he said.

        The government views the inauguration of the pipeline as a significant advancement in strengthening the nation’s power sector, increasing its capacity, and improving its reliability.

      17. ECG board members to cough up Ghc5.87m in fine over “dumsor” – Report

        ECG board members to cough up Ghc5.87m in fine over “dumsor” – Report


        A report by the media indicated that the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has penalized the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with a fine of GH¢36,000 for failing to provide all bank and investment account information to the Commission.

        Despite repeated requests with deadlines of March 25, March 27, and April 2, 2024, the information provided by ECG was deemed incomplete, resulting in the imposition of the penalty.

        Additionally, ECG has been fined a significant amount of GH¢5,868,000.00 for its failure to comply with the 3-day statutory notice requirement for planned outages.

        The responsibility for paying this fine has been shifted to the board members who served from January 1 to March 18, 2024.

        They are required to pay the fine into a dedicated fuel account jointly controlled by the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance by May 30, 2024.

        Furthermore, ECG has been directed to settle its outstanding obligations under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, totaling GH¢446,283,706.29, to Category B beneficiaries by April 30, 2024.

        Failure to make this payment will result in consequences for both the board members and management, as per the report.

      18. Pay GHC5.8m fine for ‘dumsor’ in 6 weeks or else – PURC goes after ECG Board members

        Pay GHC5.8m fine for ‘dumsor’ in 6 weeks or else – PURC goes after ECG Board members

        The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has issued a six-week ultimatum to the Board Members of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to pay a fine of GHC5,868,000.

        The Board members of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), who served from January 1st to March 18th, 2024, are required to pay the regulatory charge for overseeing power outages without notifying consumers during this period.

        The board, including ECG MD Samuel Mahama Dubik and eight others, will be affected by this fine. Former board chairman Keli Gadzekpo, who resigned three weeks ago, will also be subject to the fine, along with Majority Chief Whip Frank Annor Dompreh and five other individuals.

        However, current Deputy Energy Minister Herbert Krapah, who chairs the board, will not be affected as his tenure falls outside the period covered by the regulatory orders.

        The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) issued this directive in a letter to ECG on Monday, April 15.

        “The Board Members of ECG in office between 1 January to 18 March 2024 shall pay the regulatory charge of Five Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS5,868,000.00) into a dedicated fuel account under the joint control of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance on or before 30th May, 2024,” the regulatory body ordered.

        The PURC had previously requested information from ECG regarding tariff revenue allocation under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM), regulatory audit data, operational information, and other relevant data, with deadlines of March 25, March 27, and April 2, 2024.

        It said, “The Commission established from its analysis of data submitted by ECG that there were 4142 outages to consumers within ECG’s operational areas between January and March 2024. Out of this number, 165 representing 3.98% of the total outages were ECG-planned outages.

        “Further analysis showed that of the 165 ECG planned outages, 40 were supported by public notices, while there were no notices for the remaining 125 outages. Further, 38 of the 40 notices did not comply with the requisite three-day statutory notice prescribed under Regulation 39 of L.I. 2413. This indicates that in 163 instances of planned outages, ECG did not comply with the law”.

        Initially imposed on ECG, the fine was reassigned to the company’s board members by the PURC, citing concerns about the impact on ECG’s service delivery and the nature of its business.

        “The Commission has determined that having regard to the nature of ECG’s ownership and business, the imposition of the penalty of Five Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 5,868,000.00) on ECG would be counter-productive, as payment from ECG’s revenue would have a rebounding adverse effect on quality of service and consumers who pay tariffs to the company.

        “For that reason, in the interest of justice and to protect the interests of consumers, the Commission shall hold the Board Members of ECG who were in office from 1 January to 18 March 2024 liable for the payment of the Five Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 5,868,000.00).”

        The Commission noted that these board members were consistently responsible for providing strategic direction to ensure the provision of safe, adequate, efficient, reasonable, and non-discriminatory service to consumers.

        Additionally, the regulator has fined ECG GHS36,000 for its failure to submit all of its current bank and investment accounts to the Commission.

        “The details of ECG’s bank accounts submitted were incomplete, contrary to the Order. 3.3 Submission of Information Related to Operational Matters.”

        “The Commission hereby imposes an initial regulatory charge of 3,000 penalty units on ECG in accordance with Regulation 45 of LI 2413, amounting to Thirty-six Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS36, 000).”

        It said “ECG shall pay the initial regulatory charge of GHS36, 000 to the Commission on or before 22 April 2024.

        On the time-frame for compliance, the PURC added that after the payment, “for every working day that the requested details remain outstanding, ECG shall pay an additional regulatory charge of 3,000 penalty units, calculated daily until the date of compliance.”

        Additionally, apart from fulfilling its existing obligations under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, the PURC instructed ECG to remit the sum of GHS446,283,706.29 to Category B beneficiaries under the CWM.

        “The amount represents actual revenue collected by ECG, declared by ECG to the CWM, and approved by the CWM Standing Committee for payment from August 2023 to February 2024, but which remains unpaid.”

        The Commission specified that ECG must pay the amount of GHS446,283,706.29 on or before April 30, 2024. Failure to comply by the specified date will result in the board members and management of ECG being held accountable.

      19. Kejetia market taken off national grid over GHC70m electricity debt

        Kejetia market taken off national grid over GHC70m electricity debt

        The Kejetia Market in the Ashanti Region has been disconnected from the national power grid due to a GH¢70 million debt owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

        This disconnection, which happened about a week ago, has forced the market to rely on an alternative power plant for its energy needs.

        Traders and customers have expressed the negative impact of the power outage on the market’s operations. One trader said, “Power has been disconnected to this facility, and the market is slow because people are not here to buy anything. We were here on Saturday and Friday and couldn’t make any sales. When the lights come on for some time, it goes off again because we rely on the generator set. It has been difficult for us.”

        A customer also highlighted concerns about safety and comfort, stating, “The situation is making us scared because when the lights are off, some criminal elements will take advantage, and the heat is also unbearable.”

        “The structure of the market any time the light goes off takes about 30–50 minutes, people who enter into the market to buy our things complain. Some feel the place is too dark, some feel the place isn’t secure, others also feel that they cannot get the right things, and they cannot identify the exact commodity that they want to buy. So they don’t feel comfortable entering our market to buy something. In the long run, it affects us the traders.”

        He further mentioned that the market’s management has been forced to use a power plant as an alternative source, but this solution is costlier and comes with technical challenges, making the power supply unsustainable.

        “Currently, the management engaged the leadership of the traders’ union that we cannot let the market be in darkness, so we had to rely on the plant. But it is also coming at a higher cost. Every six hours, we have to use four and a half barrels of diesel.”

      20. PURC orders ECG Board to pay GHS5.868M for ‘dumsor’

        PURC orders ECG Board to pay GHS5.868M for ‘dumsor’

        The Board members of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), who served from January 1st to March 18th, 2024, are required to pay a regulatory charge totalling GHS5,868,000.00 for overseeing power outages without notifying consumers during this period.

        The board, including ECG MD Samuel Mahama Dubik and eight others, will be affected by this fine. Former board chairman Keli Gadzekpo, who resigned three weeks ago, will also be subject to the fine, along with Majority Chief Whip Frank Annor Dompreh and five other individuals.

        However, current Deputy Energy Minister Herbert Krapah, who chairs the board, will not be affected as his tenure falls outside the period covered by the regulatory orders.

        The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) issued this directive in a letter to ECG on Monday, April 15. The PURC had previously requested information from ECG regarding tariff revenue allocation under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM), regulatory audit data, operational information, and other relevant data, with deadlines of March 25, March 27, and April 2, 2024.

        It said, “The Commission established from its analysis of data submitted by ECG that there were 4142 outages to consumers within ECG’s operational areas between January and March 2024. Out of this number, 165 representing 3.98% of the total outages were ECG-planned outages.

        “Further analysis showed that of the 165 ECG planned outages, 40 were supported by public notices, while there were no notices for the remaining 125 outages. Further, 38 of the 40 notices did not comply with the requisite three-day statutory notice prescribed under Regulation 39 of L.I. 2413. This indicates that in 163 instances of planned outages, ECG did not comply with the law”.

        The specified amount is to be deposited into a dedicated fuel account jointly controlled by the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance by May 30, 2024.

        Initially imposed on ECG, the fine was reassigned to the company’s board members by the PURC, citing concerns about the impact on ECG’s service delivery and the nature of its business.

        “For failure to comply with the 3-day statutory notice on notification and publication of planned outages required under Regulation 39 of L.I. 2413, the Commission in accordance with Regulation 45 of L.I. 2413, also imposed a regulatory charge of 3,000 penalty units on ECG for each of the 163 breaches, amounting to Five Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 5,868,000.00).”

        “The Commission has determined that having regard to the nature of ECG’s ownership and business, the imposition of the penalty of Five Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 5,868,000.00) on ECG would be counter-productive, as payment from ECG’s revenue would have a rebounding adverse effect on quality of service and consumers who pay tariffs to the company.

        “For that reason, in the interest of justice and to protect the interests of consumers, the Commission shall hold the Board Members of ECG who were in office from 1 January to 18 March 2024 liable for the payment of the Five Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 5,868,000.00).”

        The Commission noted that these board members were consistently responsible for providing strategic direction to ensure the provision of safe, adequate, efficient, reasonable, and non-discriminatory service to consumers.

        Additionally, the regulator has fined ECG GHS36,000 for its failure to submit all of its current bank and investment accounts to the Commission.

        “The details of ECG’s bank accounts submitted were incomplete, contrary to the Order. 3.3 Submission of Information Related to Operational Matters.”

        “The Commission hereby imposes an initial regulatory charge of 3,000 penalty units on ECG in accordance with Regulation 45 of LI 2413, amounting to Thirty-six Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS36, 000).”

        It said “ECG shall pay the initial regulatory charge of GHS36, 000 to the Commission on or before 22 April 2024.

        On the time-frame for compliance, the PURC added that after the payment, “for every working day that the requested details remain outstanding, ECG shall pay an additional regulatory charge of 3,000 penalty units, calculated daily until the date of compliance.”

        Additionally, apart from fulfilling its existing obligations under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, the PURC instructed ECG to remit the sum of GHS446,283,706.29 to Category B beneficiaries under the CWM.

        “The amount represents actual revenue collected by ECG, declared by ECG to the CWM, and approved by the CWM Standing Committee for payment from August 2023 to February 2024, but which remains unpaid.”

        The Commission specified that ECG must pay the amount of GHS446,283,706.29 on or before April 30, 2024. Failure to comply by the specified date will result in the board members and management of ECG being held accountable.